Now Casting: Lorena Maraschi

When a model is invited onto Miuccia Prada's runway during her first season, it usually means that she's destined for big things. This was the scenario that played out for up-and-comer Lorena Maraschi who went on to star in Prada's accompanying Pre-Fall 2016 campaign. Maraschi signed with Next Models at the end of last year, but the 19-year-old already had six years of professional modeling experience under her belt in her homeland of Brazil before she came to America with her mom, determined to take her career to the next level. Here, she shares her story:

Did you always want to be a model?“Yes! I was five-years-old and watching the Victoria’s Secret show on TV when I announced to my mom that I wanted to be a model. Ever since then, I’ve worked really hard to make that dream come true.”

What was your relationship with fashion growing up?“I was never really into clothes, but I was obsessed with magazines. I would buy any magazine that Gisele Bündchen was in and then cut out all of the photos of her and stick them on my wall. Then I would stand in front of the mirror and try to copy her poses.”

How were you discovered?“I was discovered in Brazil when I was 13. I went to a few modeling agencies and signed with one. They sent me to work in Japan a few times and then when I was 15, I came to New York with my mom to meet with some agencies here. Next was my favorite, so I signed a preliminary contract with them and started working full-time in 2015.”

What was your first job?“My very first job was in Japan for a magazine and when I arrived on set, they told me that I was going to be on the cover. I was so excited and had just finished hair and makeup, when they came to me with a fake pregnant belly and asked me to wear it. I looked around eight-years-old at the time and the whole scene was completely ridiculous.”

When did you get your big break?“Last year was when things really started to take off for me. I was booked to walk in Prada’s menswear show in Milan and then I did a shoot with Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia on the same trip. I was freaking out the whole time, so although I know it was an amazing experience, my memory of that time is a bit of a blur."

What was your first runway show?“My very first one was for a small brand in Brazil when I was 13, but my first real one was Prada. I did the menswear show and then I was booked as a Prada exclusive for Fall 2016. This past season was my first real time on the full Fashion Week circuit. I walked Prada again and 32 other shows too!”

How did you feel before you walked Prada?"I was dying before I walked the runway. Miuccia was there and looked at me and my insides started screaming, 'Oh my god, I’m here!'"

How do you stay healthy when you’re on the road?"I actually don’t know because my schedule has been so crazy. I’ll be in one place and then my agent will call and say, 'Lorena, you’re going to Paris tonight,' and I have to pack and leave. The fact that I don't get ill more is surprising."

What's your career highlight so far?“I always dreamed about walking in Givenchy, so when I got to this past season it was very exciting for me. That and everything that I’ve done with Prada. I really have Miuccia to thank for my career.”

How do you stay in shape for your job?“It’s probably an annoying answer, but I never really think about it. I’m naturally tall and skinny, so it’s just how I am. I do think that I should try and be more healthy though!”

Favorite beauty tip?“After every job, I clean my face with Bioderma and I scrub my face with an exfoliator at least once a week.”

How would you describe your personal style?“Simple, easy, and sometimes cool—but only sometimes!”

Favorite place in the world and why?“Brazil, because it’s my home. When I’m homesick, I go to a coffee shop in New York that sells Brazilian food, so that I can be momentarily transported. My favorite dish is special kind of cheesy bread called Pão de Queijo—it’s delicious.”

What do you like to do when you’re not modeling?“I love to read. At the moment I’m reading “The Power of Now,” which is all about being focused on the present and not worrying about the future.”

What are your career goals?“I really want to work with Carine! I’ve admired her for such a long time, so it would be a huge honor for me. I’d also love to land a beauty contract.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?“I hope I will be living in New York with my boyfriend and still be working as a model.”

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